Stefan Bradl’s Moto2 squad still keen on MotoGP switch

Stefan Bradl’s current Moto2 squad is not yet ready to abandon ambitious plans to move to the MotoGP world championship in 2012.

The Viessmann Kiefer Racing squad had a self-imposed deadline of the recent German Grand Prix at Sachsenring to confirm whether it has raised the finances to lease a new Honda 1000cc machine for the Moto2 world championship leader.

If it failed, Keifer Racing would withdraw its application to be on the grid in 2012 and have its £25,0000 deposit refunded.

But International Race Teams Association boss Mike Trimby said: “They have asked for the deadline to be extended. They had a cut-off date of the finish of Germany but after the Sachsenring, Mr Kiefer wrote to me and said they want to hang in there because they are optimistic they can do a deal with Viessmann to rent the Honda.

“They are still actively trying to sort something out and optimistic that things were happening with Viessmann but there’s been stories that money is going elsewhere. Nothing has been confirmed either way.”

Title sponsors Viessmann are also negotiating with LCR Honda boss Lucio Cecchinello, who could expand to a two-rider effort in 2012. The Italian is favourite to land current Repsol Honda rider Andrea Dovizioso for 2012 and would run Bradl with Viessmann backing under the LCR umbrella.